Ronald Burnett

Ronald Dennis Burnett, the son of the late Richard Burnett Sr. and Bernice Jolly Burnett Turner. He was born in Edgerton Virginia on November 12 th , 1949, and was called to eternal life on August 1st, 2022, at the age of 72, at Samaritan Hospital Hospice, Troy NY. He moved to Troy, NY in the early 1950’s from Brunswick County Virginia with his mother, older brother, and baby sister.                                                                                  Ronald went by many names, Ronnie, Ron and the most famous- the original “Box”. He graduated from Troy High School and went into the military, serving in the Air Force as a Sergeant in rank. He was honorably discharged 4 years later after fighting in the Vietnam war. He took great pride in serving his country. Shortly after he went on to work for the Watervliet Arsenal as well as Nation Grid.                                              Ron was a true lover of living life with a one-of-a-kind spirit, and a heart filled of gold. He was sarcastic, witty, and charming but also very laid back. He enjoyed music- harboring a wonderful voice that he occasionally shared with those close to him. Ron had an unforgettable laugh. He loved live music, especially jazz. Occasionally, you could find him sitting outside at the park, enjoying the weather, and reading a good book or down at the local library. He enjoyed live events, movies, poker, good food-with a sweet tooth, cards, family and last but not least, his relationship with the almighty. On an average morning, you could find him with his feet up, glasses tilted, reading the newspaper, and sipping his coffee while soft music or tv played in the background.                                Ronnie grew up in Virginia and as a young teen moved to Troy NY. In early adulthood he moved to Buffalo and shared an apartment with his very close cousin Barry. However, Troy was home. He looked forward to visiting Virginia every fourth week in August for homecoming to spend time with some of his favorite people, his family. Family meant everything to him. He enjoyed learning and would read books of all kinds into oblivion. He believed that knowledge was power and that most importantly you should know where you came from and be proud of who you are.                                                                                                Ronnie often would reminisce about another life before he experienced city life. Walking to school by the train tracks, farming, snakes, and dirt roads made of red clay. Coming to Troy was a different experience. His mother always made sure that him and his siblings were always polite and presentable, even if they didn’t have much. They spent every Sunday at church with creases in their pants so sharp it could cut like a knife. He was a simple man who enjoyed the things that money could not buy. Though he wasn’t opposed to luxury, he found more value in time than objects that could be bought.                                                                                       Ron was a member of the 5th avenue AME Zion Church here in Troy. Ronnie was a loving, hardworking family man. Through obstacles in life, he never once complained or wavered his faith. He would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He enjoyed events and was proud of his culture and heritage.   Please choose to lead with love as he did, remember the good times and cherish the memories, he will truly be missed!